Association News
Two NPCA/FSCT Short Courses to Be Offered
at 2009 Western Coatings Societies’ Symposium & Show
NPCA/FSCT will sponsor two one-day short courses on October 25, 2009.
“Emerging Technologies and Nanotechnology Applications in Coatings” and
“Introduction to
Formulation and
Coatings Technology” will be
held at the
Flamingo Hotel,
Las Vegas, NV, in
conjunction with
the 29th Biennial Western
Coatings Societies Symposium
& Show (WCS), October 25–28, 2009.
(See related article on page 12.)
Emerging Technologies and
Nanotechnology Applications
Coatings research and associated
products have reached a high level of
sophistication. There is a general trend
to control coating compositions on a
molecular level and morphology at the
nanometer scale. This course examines
the various aspects of coating composition and nanotechnology.
The course will be taught in two
parts. The morning session, taught by
Dr. Jamil Baghdachi of Eastern Michigan University, will provide an overview
of advanced emerging technologies for
coatings, and discuss their impact on
the development of coatings for existing
and emerging markets. In addition, discussion will focus on smart coatings,
self-assembly techniques and thin films,
and antimicrobial coatings.
The afternoon session, led by Dr.
Ray Fernando of California Polytechnic
State University, will cover nanotechnology applications in coatings, their
challenges, and the future outlook for
this technology. Dr. Fernando will
explore the science behind nanotechnology and nanomaterials. Highlighting recent advances in nanomaterials
for coatings, the course will also cover
nanostructure developments and provide an overview of nanotechnology
commercial products.
This course is geared towards scientists, formulators, engineers, and marketing personnel from industrial
laboratories, government, and academia
who are involved in, or want to know
more about, aspects of coatings and raw
material development for new or existing markets or applications.
Introduction to Formulation and
Coatings Technology
This short course, taught by Jon
Lawniczak of Eastman Chemical Company, is designed to provide non-techni-cal attendees with a broad introduction
to coatings’ raw materials and the interactions of components.
The course will begin with a description of pigments, resins, and additives,
and will describe the properties and
performance characteristics that each
brings to the finished formula. In addition, a brief primer of industry terminology will be provided.
The course is designed for sales and
marketing personnel who are new to
the coatings and allied industries.
Chemists, formulator, and end users
will also benefit.
Registration
The registration fee includes access
to the WCS Show, as well as coffee
breaks, lunch, and course materials.
Separate registration is required to
attend the full WCS Symposium.
Early bird registration for each
course, available until September 30, is
$595 for NPCA/FSCT members and
$795 for nonmembers. Rates increase
by $100 after September 30.
Register online at www.coatings
tech.org or contact Jennifer Majchrzak,
NPCA/FSCT Director of Education, at
jenniferm@coatingstech.org or call
202.719.3707.
HIRE Act to Boost Sales of Home-Related Products
NPCA/FSCT Urging Support of HIRE Act Legislation
Legislation recently introduced by
Congressmen Hank Johnson (D-GA),
Nathan Deal (R-GA), and a bipartisan
group of 11 members of Congress is
intended to enable consumers to purchase home furnishings and building
products.
H.R. 3382, the Home Improvements
Revitalize the Economy (HIRE) Act,
establishes targeted consumer tax incentives for
the purchase of building
products and home furnishings such as architectural coatings, mattresses,
furniture, flooring, and
other home-related products. This legislation is
strongly supported by
NPCA/FSCT, and the
organization is urging its
members to assist in securing additional
co-sponsors for the act.
According to Congressman Johnson,
“Not only would this bill help stimulate the manufacturing market for
home furnishings and building products, it would save and create retail
jobs, generate billions in revenue and
increase home values at a time when
we really need a boost.” Congressman
Deal adds: “The HIRE Act will offer
incentives for consumers who would
otherwise forgo spending in 2009 and
2010, allowing them to improve their
homes. And, in turn, the act will jump-start the home furnishings and building products market.”
Provisions of the
HIRE Act, which apply
to households with
income up to
$300,000, provide a
tax deduction of
$2,000 per family and
tax credits of $500 for
the purchase of qualified building products
and home furnishings.
These credits are doubled for products
meeting certain environmental certifications. Retailers would be eligible for
related tax credits of up to $10,000
under provisions of the bill.
